This month we welcome our new Business Manager & Master Trainer, James Robertshaw to the Topodium Group team. With a background in sports coaching, and a wealth of experience in sports and physical activity delivery, James will be supporting Head of Product and Training, Charlotte Owen, with expert coaching, training, session development and delivery for our partners.

Welcome to the team, James! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello! Thanks for welcoming me to Topodium Group. I grew up in Leeds and have always been a keen sportsman with a passion for football. I was lucky to be involved in many media projects because of this, working with the likes of Michael Owen and Jay Jay Okocha.

I first started coaching when I was 16, though it wasn’t long before I was travelling overseas to coach in Portugal. From there I moved onto the USA before settling in and enrolling into university to study elementary education, psychology and sociology. Throughout this time I was coaching and once again, I was very lucky to be part of some great projects in some amazing places. Along the way I have made great friends who I can call family and memories I’ll cherish forever.

I’m always up for exploring new places and socialising. I love to play sports and be active, however, I can always make time to lounge around and binge watch a good tv series (don’t need to twist my arm). I enjoy a challenge, I’m always ready and willing to try new things whether that be a new food, drink or leisure activity.

What makes you excited about your new role as Business Manager & Master Trainer with Topodium Group?

I’m excited about my new role with Topodium Group as I get to experience meeting new people and networking within the sport and leisure industry.

I’m very interested in challenging and developing myself, but also the company too. I have a passion to train and develop others, which is very rewarding when projects are successfully completed.

What are your first impressions of Topodium Group so far?

My first impressions of Topodium Group are that it’s a very well organised, structured and welcoming company that keeps all the team updated and in constant communication. Everyone is very nice and keen to help in anyway they can.

What do you like to do to unwind and relax when you aren’t working?

When I’m not working I’m usually in the gym, playing sports or watching TV of some sort. In the winter months I hibernate, and in the summer months I get outside as much as possible, whether it’s to a beer garden, running or exploring a new place.

If you could go back in time to any point in history, which time period would you choose and why?

I think I speak on behalf of many people, but if I could travel back to any point in history it would be to any time pre-pandemic! I would cherish life a little more than what I did and make the most of time. Still, things are opening back up and there’s a real chance to re-energise and throw yourself into things a bit more, and value what you have.

Tell us 2 truths and 1 lie.

My 2 truths and a lie are… I have skydived, I can speak 2 languages and I have been on Blue Peter.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Save half, spend half. Don’t stress about things you can’t control

What’s your favourite feel good film?

Sister Act! Yes, you read that right. Can’t beat a bit of Whoopi Goldberg.

What inspires you the most?

What inspires me the most is being the best that I can be every day, always trying to improve myself in some way, shape or form. I get my kicks from helping others develop and succeed.

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

I have been very lucky in my career so far, and I have had the pleasure of travelling to some very nice countries and cities to do what I love. I don’t think there’s any one moment, it’s more a culmination of everything so far.

What is your favourite sport, and which team or athlete do you support/follow?

I follow a few sports, from football (Leeds United) and Rugby League (Leeds Rhinos), to boxing and Formula 1 (Hamilton, Norris).

What made you want to choose a career in fitness?

Working in fitness is a big passion of mine. I have always been very active from playing sports or working out in the gym. So to have that as a career is great. It’s a bit cliche, but you never work a day in your life if you do something you love.

For our partners, what would you describe as the main benefit of working with Topodium Group?

The main benefit of working with Topodium Group for me is learning and development. Topodium Group is made up of the best individuals in the sport and leisure industry who collaborate and provide a professional and positive experience to achieve success for Partners.

We’re delighted to welcome James to the team! Meet more of the Topodium Group team